Overrun brake for a trailer

Abstract

Overrun brake for a trailer (1), wherein the overrun brake (1) comprises a first component (2) designed to be inserted into a drawbar (3) of a trailer, and a second component (4) designed to be slidably mounted on the drawbar (3), wherein the second component (4) is connected to a Bowden cable (5) of the trailer, wherein the Bowden cable (5) is connected to brake elements acting on the wheels of the trailer, and wherein a first end (6) of a deflection lever (7) is rotatably attached in the second component, wherein the deflection lever (7) engages in a recess formed in the first component (2) such that the deflection lever (7) folds over when a towing vehicle pulling the trailer brakes, thereby pulling the second component (4) and the Bowden cable (5) along with it.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an overrun brake for a trailer, which has a compact, weatherproof design and with which even trailers with suboptimal, asymmetrical load distribution can be safely braked.

[0002] Trailers are generally defined as vehicles that usually have a loading area for transporting goods or passengers, but lack their own propulsion. Trailers are usually towed behind towing vehicles, such as motor vehicles or bicycles.

[0003] Overrun brakes are also commonly used on trailers, especially single-axle trailers and trailers with a permissible total weight of up to 3.5 tonnes, such as bicycle trailers, which do not have their own hydraulic braking system. The overrun brake is designed to convert the kinetic energy generated when the towing vehicle brakes into braking force as synchronously as possible, preventing the trailer from colliding with the towing vehicle.

[0004] Common overrun brakes feature a sliding element mounted on a drawbar or the trailer's towing and steering device. This element contracts as soon as the trailer attempts to overtake the towing vehicle. This, in turn, pulls the brake cables or a Bowden cable, which in turn pulls the brake bodies connected via the Bowden cable and thus the corresponding brake pads, thus braking the wheels of the towed trailer.

[0005] However, one of the disadvantages of such known trailer overrun brakes is that they often have a complex design consisting of many individual parts or components. Furthermore, the individual components are often not protected and are instead exposed to the elements, meaning they are exposed to varying weather conditions such as wind and rain.

[0006] From the document DE 10 2017 114 820 A1 an overrun brake for a vehicle, in particular for a trailer, in particular a bicycle trailer, with a connecting piece for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle, in particular to a bicycle, with at least one brake body and with at least one Bowden cable is known, wherein the connecting piece is at least partially piston-shaped, the connecting piece is at least partially surrounded by a cylinder housing, the connecting piece is mounted in the cylinder housing so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction, the cylinder housing has at least one traction cable attachment point for fastening a traction cable of a Bowden cable, at least one cable sheath retention point for retaining a cable sheath of a Bowden cable is assigned to the connecting piece, and the traction cable is tensioned between the traction cable attachment point and the brake body.

[0007] The object of embodiments of the invention is to provide an improved overrun brake for a trailer.

[0008] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the subordinate claims. Further advantageous developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, this object is achieved by an overrun brake for a trailer, wherein the overrun brake has a first component which is designed to be inserted into a drawbar of a trailer, and a second component which is designed to be displaceably mounted on the drawbar, wherein the second component is connected to a Bowden cable of the trailer, wherein the Bowden cable is connected to brake bodies acting on wheels of the trailer, and wherein a first end of a bell crank is rotatably fastened in the second component, wherein the bell crank engages in a recess formed in the first component in such a way that the bell crank folds over when a towing vehicle pulling the trailer brakes, thereby pulling the second component and the Bowden cable along with it.

[0010] The fact that the second component is mounted on the drawbar in a movable manner means that the second component is mounted on the drawbar in a movable or movable manner.

[0011] The fact that the bell crank is mounted so that it can rotate further means that a mounting point serves as a center of rotation or pivot point, whereby the bell crank is mounted in such a way that it can rotate around the pivot point at least within a certain range.

[0012] Thus, an overrun brake for a trailer is specified which is at least partially arranged in the drawbar and in components mounted on the drawbar. The fact that the overrun brake is at least partially arranged in the drawbar and in components mounted on the drawbar has the advantage of providing a compact, weather-protected overrun brake, especially since the components are protected from external weather conditions and / or environmental conditions. In addition, the overrun brake has comparatively few components, while at the same time allowing smooth-running bearings for the components. By relocating the overrun brake to the front of the drawbar, friction values ​​and lever forces can be reduced and thus also the effort required for proper control of the brake bodies. Overall, an improved overrun brake for a trailer is specified.

[0013] In one embodiment, the overrun brake further comprises sliding bolts, wherein the sliding bolts are designed to slide in the recess of the first component and to hold a second end of the deflection lever opposite the first end.

[0014] A bolt is understood to be a component designed to connect two parts together. A sliding bolt is also understood to be a bolt designed to slide in a sliding bolt guide, in this case the recess.

[0015] The fact that the second end of the bell crank is held by the sliding bolts also means that the sliding bolts engage the second end of the bell crank in such a way that it is held in position and cannot break out.

[0016] Such sliding bolts can ensure that the bell crank is held in its position, i.e. that it cannot immediately tip or fold back when the end of the recess is reached.

[0017] Furthermore, the length of the reversing lever and / or the dimensions of the recess can be selected such that a desired braking force is achieved when the towing vehicle is decelerated, or the length of the reversing lever and / or the dimensions of the recess, i.e., in particular, the length and width of the recess, can be adjusted to the desired braking force. In particular, the geometry of the overrun brake can be optimally adapted to the respective conditions or the respective trailer type.

[0018] Furthermore, the Bowden cable can be attached to a center point of the bell crank.

[0019] A center point of the bell crank is understood to be a point in the center of the bell crank which is approximately equidistant from the first end of the bell crank and the second end of the bell crank, as well as approximately equidistant from both sides of the bell crank.

[0020] The resulting halving of the lever length compared to the total length of the bell crank results in increased braking force, or rather, the force with which the bell crank pulls the Bowden cable is optimized. This allows even heavy trailers to be braked easily, regardless of the towing vehicle's brake line.

[0021] In addition, the overrun brake can further comprise a return spring which engages the second component and is designed to automatically return the deflection lever to an initial position after the trailer has braked.

[0022] A return spring is understood to be a return spring which is designed to automatically return the deflection lever to its original position after the braking process.

[0023] This allows the overrun brake to be further optimized.

[0024] The second component may also further comprise at least one tensioning screw for adjusting a tensioning force acting on the Bowden cable.

[0025] A tensioning screw is understood to be a screw which is designed in such a way that the tension of the Bowden cable or the brake cables can be adjusted by turning the at least one tensioning screw.

[0026] Because at least one tensioning screw is integrated into the movable component, the tension of the Bowden cable can be optimally adjusted and at the same time a very compact overrun brake can be realized.

[0027] A further embodiment of the invention also provides a trailer for a towing vehicle, which has a drawbar and an overrun brake as described above.

[0028] Thus, a trailer is specified which has an improved trailer brake. In particular, a trailer is specified which has an overrun brake which is arranged at least partially in the drawbar and in components mounted on the drawbar. The fact that the overrun brake is arranged at least partially in the drawbar and in components mounted on the drawbar has the advantage of providing a compact, weather-protected overrun brake, especially since the components are protected from external weather conditions and / or environmental conditions. In addition, the overrun brake has comparatively few components, while at the same time allowing for smooth-running bearing of the components. By relocating the overrun brake to the front of the drawbar, friction values ​​and lever forces can be reduced, and thus also the effort required for proper control of the brake bodies.

[0029] The trailer may in particular be a single-axle trailer.

[0030] In one embodiment, the drawbar has at least one part running obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the trailer, wherein the overrun brake is arranged in the region of the at least one part of the drawbar running obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the trailer.

[0031] The fact that the drawbar has a part that runs obliquely to the longitudinal axis means that at least one section of the drawbar does not run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the trailer, but at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the trailer or obliquely to it, i.e. is bent or inclined.

[0032] Such a design ensures that the overrun brake is optimally adapted to the conditions of conventional trailers, for example bicycle trailers.

[0033] At least one hole can also be made in the drawbar and the longitudinal part to implement a parking brake function.

[0034] The parking brake function is understood to be a braking function that enables safe parking while at the same time securing the trailer against rolling away.

[0035] This allows the trailer’s braking system to be further optimized.

[0036] The parking brake function can be realized, for example, by fastening a corresponding brake lever or blocking pin or bolt by means of the at least one bore.

[0037] In addition, the trailer could be a bicycle trailer, for example. Especially with bicycle trailers, it is important to ensure that the overrun brake functions optimally, even with unfavorable load distribution.

[0038] However, the fact that the trailer is a bicycle trailer is only one possible embodiment. The trailer can also be other single-axle trailers pulled by towing vehicles, particularly trailers with a permissible total weight of up to 3.5 tonnes.

[0039] In summary, it can be stated that the present invention provides an overrun brake for a trailer which has a compact, weatherproof design and with which even trailers with suboptimal, asymmetrical load distribution can be safely braked.

[0040] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the attached figures. Fig. 1 is an exploded view of an overrun brake for a trailer according to embodiments of the invention; Fig. 2 shows an overrun brake for a trailer according to embodiments of the invention; Fig. 3 shows an overrun brake for a trailer according to a first embodiment of the invention in an unbraked state; Fig. 4 shows an overrun brake for a trailer according to the first embodiment in a braked state.

[0041] In the figures of the drawings, the same reference symbols designate the same or functionally equivalent elements, parts or components, unless otherwise stated.

[0042] Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of an overrun brake for a trailer 1 according to embodiments of the invention.

[0043] Overrun brakes are typically used on trailers, especially single-axle trailers and trailers with a permissible total weight of up to 3.5 tonnes, such as bicycle trailers, which do not have their own hydraulic braking system. The overrun brake is designed to convert the kinetic energy generated when the towing vehicle brakes into braking force as synchronously as possible, preventing the trailer from colliding with the towing vehicle.

[0044] Common overrun brakes feature a sliding element mounted on a drawbar or the trailer's towing and steering device. This element contracts as soon as the trailer attempts to overtake the towing vehicle. This, in turn, pulls the brake cables or a Bowden cable, which in turn pulls the brake bodies connected via the Bowden cable and thus the corresponding brake pads, thus braking the wheels of the towed trailer.

[0045] However, one of the disadvantages of such known trailer overrun brakes is that they often have a complex design consisting of many individual parts or components. Furthermore, the individual components are often not protected and are instead exposed to the elements, meaning they are exposed to varying weather conditions such as wind and rain.

[0046] Fig. 1 shows an overrun brake 1 which has a first component 2 which is designed to be inserted into a drawbar 3 of a trailer, and a second component 4 which is designed to be displaceably mounted on the drawbar 3, wherein the second component 4 is connected to a Bowden cable 5 of the trailer, wherein the Bowden cable 5 is connected to brake bodies acting on wheels of the trailer, and wherein a first end 6 of a deflection lever 7 is rotatably fastened in the second component 4, wherein the deflection lever 7 engages in a recess formed in the first component 2 in such a way that the deflection lever 7 folds over when a towing vehicle pulling the trailer brakes, thereby pulling the second component and the Bowden cable along with it.

[0047] Thus, an overrun brake for a trailer 1 is specified, which is at least partially arranged in the drawbar 3 and in components mounted on the drawbar 3. The fact that the overrun brake 1 is at least partially arranged in the drawbar 3 and in components mounted on the drawbar 3 has the advantage of providing a compact, weather-protected overrun brake, especially since the components are protected from external weather conditions and / or environmental conditions. In addition, the overrun brake 1 has comparatively few components, while at the same time allowing smooth-running bearings of the components. By relocating the overrun brake 1 to the front of the drawbar 3, friction values ​​and lever forces can be reduced and thus also the effort required for proper control of the brake bodies. Overall, an improved overrun brake for a trailer 1 is specified.

[0048] According to the embodiments of the Fig. 1, the drawbar 3 has a drawbar tube 8 into which the first component can be inserted, wherein the drawbar tube has a recess matching the recess or opening or cutout formed in the first component 2.

[0049] The first component 2 can also be a turned-milled part tailored to the geometry of the drawbar tube. The recess can be formed, for example, by a bore. Furthermore, the first component 2 can be made of at least one plastic, for example.

[0050] According to the embodiments of the Fig. 1, the second component 4 further comprises two components. The first component is a tube 9 which is slidably mounted on the drawbar tube 8, whereby special, custom-made sliding bearings made of a plastic material can be arranged between the drawbar tube 8 and the tube 9. The second component is a key box 10 which, according to the embodiments of the Fig. 1, is screwed to the pipe 9 by two screw bolts 11.

[0051] The key box 10 has an internal key, i.e. the reversing lever 7.

[0052] The brake bodies may also be, for example, brake bodies of drum or disc brake systems not shown in the figures.

[0053] According to the embodiments of the Fig. 1, the length of the bell crank and the dimensions of the recess are selected such that a desired braking force is achieved when the towing vehicle is decelerated. In particular, the geometry of the bell crank 7 is precisely matched to a desired or required movement or displacement length.

[0054] In addition, the Bowden cable 5 is attached to a center point 12 of the bell crank 7.

[0055] Furthermore, the Bowden cable can also be attached to a different point on the rocker arm, which results in different conditions and adjustment options.

[0056] How Fig. 1 further shows, the overrun brake 1 further comprises a return spring 13 which engages the first component 2 and is designed to automatically return the deflection lever 7 to an initial position after braking of the trailer.

[0057] According to the embodiments of the Fig. 1, the return spring 13 is inserted into an axial bore in the first component or is received by it.

[0058] Also visible are tensioning screws 14, by means of which the tensioning force acting on the Bowden cable 5 can be adjusted.

[0059] In particular, Fig. 1 clamping screws 14 integrated into the geometry of the key box 10.

[0060] Fig. 2 shows an overrun brake for a trailer 1 according to embodiments of the invention.

[0061] How Fig. 2 shows, the overrun brake 1 again has a first component 2, which is designed to be inserted into a drawbar 3 of a trailer, and a second component 4, which is designed to be displaceably mounted on the drawbar 3, wherein the second component 4 is connected to a Bowden cable 5 of the trailer, wherein the Bowden cable 5 is connected to brake bodies acting on wheels of the trailer, and wherein a first end 6 of a deflection lever 7 is rotatably fastened in the second component 4, wherein the deflection lever 7 engages in a recess formed in the first component 2 in such a way that the deflection lever 7 folds over when a towing vehicle pulling the trailer brakes, and thereby pulls the second component and the Bowden cable along with it.

[0062] As Fig. 2 further shows, the overrun brake 1 also has sliding bolts 15, wherein the sliding bolts 15 are designed to slide in the recess of the first component and to hold a second end 16 of the deflection lever 7, opposite the first end.

[0063] The sliding bolts 15 thus serve to guide and determine the position of the reversing lever 7.

[0064] The drawbar can also be a cantilevered drawbar system, with the drawbar having at least one part that runs diagonally to the longitudinal axis of the trailer, and the overrun brake being arranged in the region of the at least one part of the drawbar that runs diagonally to the longitudinal axis of the trailer. In particular, the drawbar can have a section that is approximately 45° diagonal to a direction of travel or a longitudinal axis of the trailer, which absorbs part of the thrust forces acting on the overrun brake.

[0065] Furthermore, the drawbar can also run straight or centrally, parallel to the direction of pull.

[0066] In addition, at least one hole can be made in the drawbar and the longitudinal part to implement a parking brake function.

[0067] The trailer can also be a bicycle trailer, for example.

[0068] Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show an overrun brake for a trailer 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0069] Fig. 3 shows an overrun brake for a trailer 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention in an unbraked state.

[0070] How Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the deflection lever 7 is in its initial position, which is opposite to the direction of travel of the trailer. The direction of travel of the trailer is Fig. 3 is symbolized by the arrow marked with reference number 17.

[0071] As can be seen further, in the unbraked state the return spring 13 is also relaxed.

[0072] Fig. 4 shows an overrun brake for a trailer 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention in a braked state.

[0073] How Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the bell crank 7 is now folded or tilted. In particular, a braking force of the towing vehicle, for example, a bicycle, is transmitted via the first component 2 to the key or bell crank 7, causing it to tilt and accordingly pull on the Bowden cable.

[0074] As can be seen further, the return spring 13 is also compressed in the braked state.

[0075] In particular, an overrun brake 1 is shown, which is relocated forward into the drawbar, whereby friction values ​​and lever forces can be reduced and thus also the effort required for proper control of the brake bodies. List of reference symbols 1 overrun brake 2 first component 3 drawbar 4 second component 5 Bowden cable 6 first end 7 bell crankshaft 8 Drawbar tube 9 pipe 10 key boxes 11 screw bolts 12 Center 13 Return spring 14 clamping screw 15 sliding bolts 16 second end 17 Thrust direction QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2017 114 820 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] An overrun brake for a trailer (1), wherein the overrun brake (1) comprises a first component (2) designed to be inserted into a drawbar (3) of a trailer, and a second component (4) designed to be displaceably mounted on the drawbar (3), wherein the second component (4) is connected to a Bowden cable (5) of the trailer, wherein the Bowden cable (5) is connected to brake bodies acting on wheels of the trailer, and wherein a first end (6) of a deflection lever (7) is rotatably fastened in the second component, wherein the deflection lever (7) engages in a recess formed in the first component (2) in such a way that the deflection lever (7) folds over when a towing vehicle pulling the trailer brakes, thereby pulling the second component (4) and the Bowden cable (5) along with it. [2] Overrun brake (1) according to claim 1, wherein the overrun brake (1) further comprises sliding bolts (15), wherein the sliding bolts (15) are designed to slide in the recess of the first component (2) and to hold a second end (16) of the deflection lever (7) opposite the first end. [3] Overrun brake (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the length of the deflection lever (7) and / or the dimensions of the recess are selected such that a desired braking force is achieved when the towing vehicle is braked. [4] Overrun brake (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the Bowden cable (5) is fastened to a center point (12) of the deflection lever (7). [5] Overrun brake (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the overrun brake (1) further comprises a return spring (13) which engages the first component (2) and is designed to automatically return the deflection lever (7) to an initial position after braking of the trailer. [6] Overrun brake (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second component (4) further comprises at least one tensioning screw (14) for adjusting a tensioning force acting on the Bowden cable (5). [7] Trailer for a towing vehicle, the trailer having a drawbar and an overrun brake according to one of claims 1 to 6. [8] Trailer according to claim 7, wherein the drawbar has at least one part extending obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the trailer, wherein the overrun brake is arranged in the region of the at least one part of the drawbar extending obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the trailer. [9] Trailer according to claim 7 or 8, wherein at least one bore is provided in the drawbar and the longitudinal part to implement a parking brake function. [10] A trailer according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the trailer is a bicycle trailer.

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